THREE young Teessiders have been called up to stake their claim for an England Under-18 team spot.

Tees Valley Mohawks trio Theo Turner, who stands at a towering 6ft 11ins, 6ft 10in Shane Beadle and athletic 6ft 2in guard Darren Crane all took part in the national team’s try-outs in Birmingham at the weekend.

The selections were made after a regional tournament in Nottingham in September, which saw six Mohawks players included in the North-east team.

Mohawks junior development head coach Sid Nicholls was also chosen as head coach for the regional team and said: “It was great for the club to be represented by so many players at the tournament and it was a testament to the work we have done within the region and at the club.

“For Theo, Shane and Darren to be recognised and offered a try-out is a massive honour and a fantastic opportunity.

“They all work hard and each has an ambition to make a career from basketball and this is one step towards that dream.”

The trio all attend the Tyne Met Basketball Academy along with four other Mohawks players.

There they receive eight hours of curriculum basketball coaching a week and compete in the Premier College League as well as turning out for Mohawks Under-18s.

The trio have also represented the Mohawks men’s team this year making regular appearances for the National League Division Four (North) team while Crane has also made a number of appearances for the club’s Division One side.